Two of Africa's biggest clubs face off on Sunday as Hearts travel to the Baba Yara sports stadium to play their archrivals Kotoko. Though, a home game for the Phobians, they had to choose the Baba Yara Sports stadium for this game due to the closure of the Accra Sports stadium.
The Porcupine Warriors come into this game placed one position above their opponents on the league log, and with a 3- point gap between them and their opponents. The Phobians, meanwhile have been bizarrely inconsistent and would go into the game as the underdogs.
Here are five Kotoko players we think you should keep an eye out for ahead of a match that could define the season for both clubs.
Richmond Lamptey
An extremely talented footballer, Richmond Lamptey's career hasn't progressed in the way he'd have hoped. Despite his troubles, we all know what Lamptey can do. That terrifying, thumping long-range with his left boot, the caressed, clipped passes to teammates, those unstoppable curlers into the top corner. It is all waiting to be unlocked once again on Sunday.
Steven Dese Mukwala
The Ugandan forward is no stranger to being one to watch. Mukwala proved his worth in Ghana's elite league in his debut season, standing out with 13 goals scored with 5 assists. He’s valued for his consistency from the 18-yard box. This season, he has scored four goals so far.
Though he has yet to score against the Phobians in two encounters, Mukwala is angsty to find the back of the net on Sunday.
Isaac Oppong
Oppong will play a vital role in the success of Kotoko, largely because of his immense ability in the game through strategic passing and strong runs with the ball.
His career has plateaued due to injuries, but there can be no doubts that on his day, he can change a game in a blink of an eye. The grace, the ghostly glide and the pure technique are very comparable to those of France and PSG's Kyllian Mbappe. His partnership with Mukwala would be a sight to see, while his creativity and dynamic mind always make an impact.
Baba Yahaya
A frighteningly fast winger, Baba Yahaya plays football in that furious, high-octane way that really excites watching fans. His ability to retain possession under pressure, glide beyond opponents and seemingly always make the right decision in the final third means he slotted seamlessly in at Kotoko. The former King Faisal winger is naturally gifted as they come and emanates elegance and grace every time he touches the ball. He could wreak havoc on Sunday.
Yussif Nurudeen Mohammed
Kotoko's best centre-back this campaign, Nurudeen is a composed centre back and boasts an excellent passing range that helps his side overcome any opposing press in their own half. He's also tenacious in his tackling and has even been compared to Sergio Ramos for the similarities in their respective playing styles.
On Sunday, Nurudeen will be the man tasked to ensure Kotoko do not concede
